Chips Ahoy! Chocolate Chip Cookies are addictive.

I can’t stop after just one. Or two. Or three, for that matter!

This past Sunday, I went to church with one of my best friends, Phebe. After each service, the church hosts a small “social” featuring fruit, goldfish, and cookies galore! Luckily, I was so stuffed from the two Ginger Spice Apple Waffles I had for breakfast, that I couldn’t imagine fitting another bite… And therefore wasn’t tempted to head straight to the cookie table.

Of course, both Phebe’s brothers made a beeline for the snacks. And just as we were leaving, her youngest brother grabbed one last Chips Ahoy! Cookie. “You know, Havens could probably take that apart and make a Skinny Sweet Treat version of it.” His mom remarked as we headed for the car, and suddenly (ding!), a light went off in my head.

A healthy version of one of my biggest guilty pleasures?

When I got home, I got straight to work!

First, I found an unhealthy dupe for the recipe. Top Secret Recipes provided this, as well as a handful of helpful reviews that I was able to put into use when creating this recipe. Of course, there are always going to be at least a few speed bumps when creating a healthy version of a recipe, as opposed to a recipe made up on the spot. For instance, after working through the first few steps of this recipe, I realized I’d calculated the amount of applesauce to substitute for shortening wrong and was forced to scrap the batter and restart.

But in the end, the final result was definitely worth it! These cookies turned out crunchy, chocolatey, and absolutely delicious. And more like the actual Chips Ahoy! Cookies than I’d ever imagined, considering they’re healthy! After inhaling a few, my friend Phebe was gracious enough to bring a few home for her family to taste test. Well, believe it or not, they all enjoyed the cookies. In fact, even her youngest brother approved!

I think it’s safe to say that these healthy Chips Ahoy! Cookies are just as addictive as the original! (Which isn’t exactly a bad thing, considering they’re less than 75 calories each!)

Healthy Chips Ahoy! Chocolate Chip Cookie Dupe

Adapted from Todd Wilbur’s recipe on Top Secret Recipes

• 3 tbs unsweetened applesauce
• 1 c stevia
• 1/2 tbs molasses
• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp salt (optional)
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp cream of tartar
• 3/4 c whole wheat flour
• 1 c spelt flour
• 1/4 c water
• 3/4 c chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 325°F. Combine the applesauce, stevia, and molasses in a large mixing bowl and whip for 5 minutes. Add vanilla, salt (optional), baking soda, and cream of tartar. Slowly add flours and water until fully combined. Fold in chocolate chips. Add extra water, if needed. On a lightly greased cookie sheet, mold the cookies into 2 inch circles, about 1/8 in thick. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (from myfitnesspal.com)

Calories: 73

Fat: 2g

Carbs: 12g

Protein: 2g

(Yields 2 dozen cookies)